Mary James of LaFollette, Tennessee departed us on Thursday, October 9, 2025. Born on January 24, 1944, in Harlan, Kentucky, Mary lived 81 adventurous years and always had a love for life. She was raised in Lincoln Park, Michigan, but, as a child, she spent her summers with her grandparents in Middlesboro, Kentucky. As she grew older, she explored various careers such as working for N.A.S.A. building motherboards, treating others as a cosmetologist, helping memories come to life inside of a photo lab, and as a laundry presser at the dry cleaners near the end of her career. If you knew Mary, you knew of her love for Elvis which began at one of his concerts where he placed a scarf around her neck, as the story goes. Often times she was found being creative with paint, glitter, and jewels, decorating ceramics that she would win awards for. Some of her favorite past times included taking trips to Middlesboro with her daughter Tammy or simply listening to the sounds of nature. As she goes to be with her Lord and Savior, we will remember her as the Mother, Grandmother, and Great-Grandmother who lit up any room with her joy, humor, fun personality, and her sparkly accessories that she never went without. Thank you for adding so much shine and color to our lives. Rest peacefully.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents Robert and Mary James, and her sister Brenda Freng.

Mary is survived by her uncle Bill James, her children Tommy James, Tammy James, Kim and Darren Nelson, her grandchildren Starla and Kevin Byers, Angela and Aaron Marcum, Megan and Andy Wilson, Macey and Landry Evans, Felicia Nelson and Mikala Malicoat, Lauren James, and Aleah James, and 8 great-grandchildren.

Family will receive friends 4-6 pm Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Cross-Smith Funeral Home with funeral service to follow at 6 pm in Cross-Smith Chapel, Rev. Bill Wilson Officiating. Interment will be held at Green Hills Cemetery in Middlesboro, Kentucky at a later date.

Arrangements by Cross-Smith Funeral Home

Condolences may be given online to the family of Mary James at http://www.cross-smithfuneralhome.com

Related